Stability of Steel Columns with Concrete-Filled Thin-Walled Rectangular Profiles

Abstract

This paper provides a numerical and experimental analysis of global stability of axially compressed columns made of thin-walled rectangular concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs), with the consideration of initial geometric imperfections. The presented work introduces the theory of stability and strength of composite structural members subjected to axial compressive force. Moreover, a numerical calculation method for the determination of column resistance under axial load is presented, taking into account the influence of second-order effects that are considered in the European standard for the design of such members. This paper also presents the method of creating 3D models using the ABAQUS software, numerical analysis, and comparison of the obtained numerical results with experimental tests. In addition to the actual boundary and load conditions, the real properties of the used materials were also taken into account during the creation of 3D models. The actual properties of the used materials were obtained experimentally. Based on the obtained results and their comparison, several new findings and proven facts about the design and assessment of axially compressed columns made of thin-walled rectangular steel tubes filled with concrete are presented in the conclusions of the paper.